**Question:** Goal of National tuberculosis control programme is –

A. Reducing the incidence of tuberculosis
B. Increasing the cure rate of tuberculosis cases
C. Reducing the mortality rate due to tuberculosis
D. Increasing awareness about tuberculosis prevention and control

**Core Concept:**

The National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) is a public health initiative aimed at controlling and preventing the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in a country's population. Tuberculosis is a communicable disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 10 million people developed tuberculosis in 2019, and 1.4 million deaths occurred due to this disease.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**

The correct answer is A: Reducing the incidence of tuberculosis. The primary goal of the NTP is to control the spread of tuberculosis within a country by implementing various strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat cases. By reducing the incidence, the prevalence and burden of tuberculosis on healthcare systems, infected individuals, and society as a whole can be minimized.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Increasing the cure rate of tuberculosis cases (Option B) is a crucial objective of the NTP, as high cure rates contribute to reducing the incidence. However, it is not the sole goal.

C. Reducing the mortality rate due to tuberculosis (Option C) is an important aspect of the NTP, but it is not the main objective. The primary goal is to control the incidence of the disease.

D. Increasing awareness about tuberculosis prevention and control (Option D) is essential, but it is not the central aim of the NTP. The primary focus is on reducing the incidence of tuberculosis cases.

**Clinical Pearls:**

1. Tuberculosis is a global health concern, and the NTP plays a vital role in controlling its spread.
2. Achieving a balance between increasing cure rates and reducing the incidence is crucial for effective tuberculosis control programs.
3. Enhancing awareness and education about tuberculosis prevention and control are important components of the NTP, but they are not the primary goals.

For further information on tuberculosis, refer to the World Health Organization's Stop TB Strategy, which outlines the goals and strategies for tuberculosis control globally: [Stop TB Strategy](https://www.who.int/tb/en/)